Changing faces on popular television shows

By Shakti Shetty |Posted 05-Feb-2014

A look at lead actors who have been replaced by other names on primetime television

While rumours about films’ casting continue to abound in the industry, it’s not common practice for big actors to replace one another. In the television industry, however, this is not the case. For several reasons, lead actors on TV call it quits — this, despite garnering popularity thanks to the said show — and soon after, another name takes over. HitList trains its sights on television actors who were replaced after highly successful stints.

Pratyusha Banerjee replaced by Toral RasputraShow: Balika VadhuActive since: July 2010 Replaced in: March 2013Lowdown: According to the initial buzz, Pratyusha wanted to try her luck in Bollywood and hence, decided to leave a highly-rated TV show. Following her exit, Toral took up the lead character of Anandi.

Giaa Manek replaced by Devoleena BhattacharjeeShow: Saath Nibhaana SaathiyaActive since: May 2010Replaced in: June 2012Lowdown: Giaa left the show, after much reported clash between her and the producers. Given her popularity, this development was followed by a notable backlash on social media. Then Devoleena was brought in as replacement. She is currently playing Gopi Modi.

Vivian Dsena replaced by Karanvir BohraShow: Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek JunoonActive since: May 2012Replaced in: Feb 2014Lowdown: Protagonist RK, played by Vivian, won’t be part of the storyline anymore. The show will take a tried-and-tested 20 year leap, where a new lead character, to be essayed by Karanvir, is going to be introduced.

Sushant Singh Rajput replaced by Hiten TejwaniShow: Pavitra RishtaActive since: June 2009Replaced in: October 2011Lowdown: Sushant played the affable Manav Deshmukh in this hugely popular show, before he decided to turn attention to Bollywood. He made his film debut with Kai Po Che last year. The actor was replaced in the TV show by Hiten Tejwani.

Nandish Sandhu replaced by Vikas BhallaShow: Uttaran Active since: June 2009Replaced in: May 2012Lowdown: This never-ending show has seen everything - from high-intense melodrama to travel in a time machine. Over the years, characters have been bumped off and reintroduced. Veer’s character, initially played by Nandish Sandhu and then replaced by Vikas Bhalla, has survived all these changes.

Karan Singh Grover replaced by Raqesh VashisthShow: Qubool HaiActive since: October 2012Replaced in: January 2014Lowdown: This popular TV soap that explored love against a Muslim milieu saw the abrupt exit of Karan. He successfully portrayed the character of Asad Khan before quitting the show on medical grounds. Raqesh then took over the mantle with minimum fuss.

No replacement yet?Sunil GroverShow: Comedy Nights with KapilActive since: June 2013Left in: November 2013Lowdown: Sunil gained immense popularity thanks to his drag character Gutthi. However, there were reports that he wanted his fees to be hiked and when producers didn’t give in to this demand, he left the show to start a new one along with actor-host Manish Paul. Till date, no replacement has been found for Gutthi’s character.

Early recallKaran Patel took over Cezanne Khan’s role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein even before the show hit the small screen late last year. Karan had admitted to feeling weird about stepping in at such an early stage.

Blast from the past

TV actors who have been written out of the script and/ were replaced: >> Amar Upadhyay’s character Mihir in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi died in an episode but massive public outrage brought him back to life in the subsequent episodes. A similar reaction wasn’t witnessed when Amar left the show later to pursue film dreams, bequeathing the role to Ronit Roy. >> Nausheen Sardar Ali played the eponymous Kkusum before she was replaced by Mansi Joshi Roy, who was eventually replaced by Shilpa Saklani.>> Owing to differences with the producers, Rajeev Khandelwal exited Kahiin Toh Hoga. There was a significant drop in TRPs as the role of Sujal was then played by Gurpreet Singh.>> Cezanne Khan played the character of businessman Anurag Basu in Kasautii Zindagii Kay. He was later replaced by Hiten Tejwani. >> Kiran Karmarkar’s role in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii was axed only to be revived later.